December 29, 2015

Expect the unexpected. An unlikely time will be the very time. Vigilance is always an imperative. 

“Take heed, keep on the alert; for you do not know when the appointed time will come. It is like a man away on a journey, who upon leaving his house and putting his slaves in charge, assigning to each one his task, also commanded the doorkeeper to stay on the alert. Therefore, be on the alert—for you do not know when the master of the house is coming, whether in the evening, at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or in the morning— in case he should come suddenly and find you asleep. What I say to you I say to all, ‘Be on the alert!’ ” (Mark 13.33-37)

The return of Christ demands diligence and vigilance. Each of us are assigned a task, which requires diligence. But, the task can be quickly interrupted by the return of the Master, thus necessitating vigilance. So, we are called to both work and watch. 

We stand on the eve of a new year. It may be one among many years in which Christ's return was anticipated. But, it could also be THAT year; the last one of human history. Does that thought change anything about how you live and serve? 

Some students of Bible prophecy state that numerous predicted events preclude His imminent return. My mortality reminds me that, for all intents and purposes, it might only be a heartbeat away. My next waking moment could be His return and the great resurrection of all the saints of all the ages. Best to be working and ready today, not tomorrow or next year.

Fact is, He IS coming. Are you ready?

Steve

©Steve Taylor, 2015
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December 23, 2015

It is a formidable force. It is exponentially greater than nuclear fusion or fission. It is a force so great that it defies natural laws and boundaries. It is the force of faith.

"Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." (Hebrews 11.1)

You've likely heard and read this biblical definition of faith, but have you lately considered its meaning and implications? It's worthy of revisiting and pondering.

Faith provides the substance and reality of hope. It reveals a realm that otherwise would be hidden from sight. It pulls back the curtain to reveal a massive army, assuring overwhelming victory (2 Kings 6.17). It reaches forward to the new age, the kingdom of God, and captures a vivid image for us to see and sense. It gives us eyes to see beyond what is visible, to reveal forces and resources at our disposal for incredible feats. 

Science has convincingly described and explained the atomic and subatomic realm. School students have seen models of protons, neutrons, and electrons, and have become convinced that such things exist. Faith similarly provides models that allow us to see what is otherwise hidden from our eyes. 

What images might our Father bring into our minds as we seriously consider faith today? What scenes and pictures would be brilliantly displayed, inspiring fresh confidence and boldness? This is the adventure of faith before us.

Faith is a force never fully tapped in to. Hebrews 11 lists and describes some of its great pioneers, but we dare say that not even these fully tapped in to the force of faith. It is realm to be more fully explored by today's pioneers.

May the possibilities of faith become vivid and real to you today.

Steve

©Steve Taylor, 2015
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December 22, 2015

“There will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth dismay among nations, in perplexity at the roaring of the sea and the waves, men fainting from fear and the expectation of the things which are coming upon the world; for the powers of the heavens will be shaken." (Luke 21.25-26) 

The times leading up to the return of Christ will be anything but normal. There will be celestial and environmental upheaval. The mention of "the roaring of the sea and the waves", which will result in "men fainting from fear and the expectation of the things which are coming upon the world," may be a figurative reference to the upheaval and turmoil among the nations and peoples of the world. If that is so, then it very well fits our times. The blight of ISIS, the political revolutions of recent years, and the military activity of powerful nations, has many wondering what is "coming upon the world." 

Disturbing and distressing as current events may be to many, they ought to invoke a different response from the people of God: "But when these things begin to take place, straighten up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” (Luke 21.28) The weight of concern should be lifting as we see these things, causing us to "straighten up" and look up with expectation at the renewal of our bodies in resurrection. The kingdom is just around the corner!

The watch phrase for our times is, "be aware and be ready." Be knowledgeable as to current events, but not alarmed. Anticipate, rather than agonize. Momentary troubles are destined to give way to indescribable joy and life. Look around but, more importantly, look up. The hope of the ages is soon to be realized. Live this day victoriously with that anticipation.

Steve

©Steve Taylor, 2015
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December 16, 2015

The Press Secretary is the official voice of the President. Whenever a briefing is given, he/she speaks for the President, with his full authority. Similarly, "God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways, in these last days has spoken to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the world." (Hebrews 1.1-2) 

Politically incorrect as this will sound, His official spokesperson is Jesus; not Muhammad, Joseph Smith, or the Dalai Lama. If God has something to say (which He certainly does), it will be voiced exclusively through His Son. Thus, it was dramatically, audibly proclaimed through the Creator's own voice, "This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well-pleased; listen to Him!” (Matthew 17.12)

The key take away for us, then, is to carefully listen to the authoritative voice of Jesus. He proclaims and explains everything the Father would have us know and do. So, it is imperative that we humbly sit at His feet, listen, and respond.

Whatever is on your schedule for today, be sure to schedule time to carefully listen to your Master. As One who is well able to "sympathize with our weaknesses" (Hebrews 4.15), His authoritative words are tempered with a keen understanding of our human condition. So, as an old gospel song says, "have a little talk with Jesus." It will be the brightest spot in your day.

Steve

©Steve Taylor, 2015
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December 15, 2015

It was an ordinary day. People went about their normal morning preparations, commuted to work, and tended to the business of the day. Nothing distinguished this day from any other day; at least at the start of the day. But, by mid morning, it would be anything but an ordinary day. Even today, the events of that day still cast a shadow. September 11, 2001 will never be remembered as an ordinary day.

"And just as it happened in the days of Noah, so it will be also in the days of the Son of Man: they were eating, they were drinking, they were marrying, they were being given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all." (Luke 17.26-27) 

Every historic tragedy can be punctuated with "what if's." What if the Japanese fleet had been discovered before the attack on Pearl Harbor? What if President Kennedy had not gone to Dallas? What if intelligence had uncovered the plot to destroy the World Trade Center buildings? Information and preparation could have averted disaster.

The day of Christ's return is a certainty, based on accurate information and warning in advance of the event. None need be unprepared, and yet countless multitudes will face tragedy on that ordinary day when He comes.

The first coming of Christ is remembered this season of year, and is the precedent for His Second Coming. "so Christ also, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time for salvation without reference to sin, to those who eagerly await Him." (Hebrews 9.28) If He was born on a certain date in a certain place, the same can be said for His Second coming. The place is known (Zechariah 14.4); the date is unknown. The need to be ready remains constant.

What if this ordinary day is THAT day? We cannot be certain that it is not, so live hopefully, serve faithfully, and share the gospel freely; while there is time.

Keep looking up.

Steve

©Steve Taylor, 2015
Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/  

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December 9, 2015

Where you live makes all the difference in your perspective concerning the seasons. I've lived in areas where you prepare for and hunker down for harsh winter. I now live in a predominately "snow bird" community, where folks come to enjoy the winter.

"Make every effort to come to me soon ... Make every effort to come before winter" (2 Timothy 4.9, 21)

The apostle Paul, near the end of his life, urgently desires a visit from his child in the faith, Timothy, before harsh winter sets in. His coworkers and companions, except for one, have all departed for various reasons (2 Timothy 4.10-12). The chilly night air, prelude to the cold of coming winter, prompts Paul to ask Timothy to bring his cloak, and, "the books, especially the parchments." (2 Timothy 4.13)

A lonely servant of God, facing death, desertion, cold, and isolation, reached out for encouragement and help. Fact is, no matter how strong or mature we are in the faith, there are "winters" when we have similar needs. None are immune to loneliness, discomfort, and discouragement. We need true companionship, mental and spiritual stimulation, and basic creature comforts. And, like Paul, we do well to face this reality, and seek out the help we need.

If this day is a time of struggle, reach out to those who can best help, and for that which will truly help. And, keep your hope in view to bolster confidence. "The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed, and will bring me safely to His heavenly kingdom; to Him be the glory forever and ever. Amen." (2 Timothy 4.18)

Amen indeed.

Steve

©Steve Taylor, 2015
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December 8, 2015

Life is the sum total of little things. The management of little things factors in to big things, both positively and negatively. 

"He who is faithful in a very little thing is faithful in much; and he who is unrighteous in a very little thing is unrighteous in much." (Luke 16.10)

Jesus goes so far as to bridge the physical realm and the spiritual in His next statement: "Therefore if you have not been faithful in the use of unrighteous wealth, who will entrust the true riches to you?" (Luke 16.11) If we have not managed smaller material assets well, who will trust us with the true wealth of the things to do with the kingdom of God and immortality?

This life, and the life of the age to come, are about wise management, according to Jesus. Whatever is placed in our hands to manage is to be managed well, for our benefit and the benefit of others. So, the question that begs to be asked is, "What has been entrusted to me, and how well am I doing with it?" Whatever it is, and no matter what we have done, each of us could confess to doing better. But, the point is not about guilt, but about awareness and diligence as we move forward. How can I make stewardship really count and really work today? How can I be the faithful steward who will one day hear, "well done, good and faithful servant!" (Matthew 25.31)

Life indeed is the sum total of little things. As we manage time, energy, affection, and finances, we are literally investing in the eternal. May He guide us as wise stewards this day, and every day.

Steve

©Steve Taylor, 2015
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December 2, 2015

In light of what has become tragically commonplace these days, the statement almost seems like an understatement: "But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come." (2 Timothy 3.1) "Difficult times" hardly seems adequate to describe our times.
The catalogue of conduct and character described that follows (verses 2-5) has an uncanny resemblance to people in general today. So, what's a believer to do in difficult times, when surrounded by such people? Paul offers timeless admonition: "You, however, continue in the things you have learned and become convinced of, knowing from whom you have learned them" (2 Timothy 3.14) 
Stay the course. Don't wander from truth, but embrace it and walk in it, no matter the times or circumstances. Don't be disturbed by the noisy unbelief around you. Love truth. Practice grace. Continue to be salt and light in a distasteful and dark world.

We can easily bemoan the demise of our culture, but perhaps we should consider our privileged position in being granted the opportunity to live and serve in such times as these. The light shines brightest against the darkest of times.

Stay the course, dear friend. We're in this together and, bound together in truth and grace, we will make the difference we are called to make. Stay in His Word, and let it be fully effective in you, and those you touch.
Steve

©Steve Taylor, 2015
Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/  

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December 1, 2015

It is a very touching scene. A father sees his long-lost son approaching from a distance, and runs to welcome and embrace him. No matter what the son had done, he was warmly welcomed because he had a change of heart and had come back.

The scene described is from a story once told by Jesus, the story of the prodigal son (Luke 15.11-32). The point to the story is the priority placed on lost ones being found. "there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents." (Luke 15.10) "this brother of yours was dead and has begun to live, and was lost and has been found." (Luke 15.32)

Whatever we have done, or wherever we have been, there is hope for us when we have a change of heart, repent, and return. The Father's arms are open wide to receive His wayward children.

Perhaps your life has gotten all dirty from worldly indulgence. This is a grievous situation, but especially so if you never repent and return. But, this very moment is an opportunity for forgiveness and a new beginning. All you need do is return to your Father and, as His Son said to a wayward woman, "Go. From now on sin no more." (John 8.11)

None of us are so bad that we cannot be forgiven, but none of us are so good that don't also need to repent and return. Whatever your life has been, the opportunity of the moment is what matters most. Return to your Father, and truly live.

Steve

©Steve Taylor, 2015
Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/  

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